Haste on Community Center makes waste
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| February 14, 2008 To the Editor: At the Moultonboro Selectmen's meeting Jan. 31, a petitioned warrant article was presented, by the Recreational Strategic Planning Committee, for an appropriation of $375,000 for architectural, engineering and other related fees for the phased construction of a $5.5 million dollar community/recreational complex. The petition had nearly 300 signatures. Selectmen Ed Charest said he though the RSPC focused too much on recreation and not enough on the needs of seniors. He stated his decision not to support the petition for $375,000 is based on the present economic factors and the state education funding question. Other uncertainties are the hefty cost increases that loom on our horizon. One is the return of the donor town status to Moultonboro, some estimate the cost at nearly twice the amount of our former assessment. Another is the recent decision by the state retirement system's Board of Trustees to cover a $128 million shortfall in the medical subsidy paid to state retirees by making "employers" i.e. cities and towns, and ultimately taxpayers liable – is an "unfunded mandate." | |||
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At the 2007 Town Meeting, approximately 360 registered voters attended.
If the 300 signers of the $375,000 petition also attend and vote per their implied intention, we will have let this special interest group dictate their wants to the rest of the community. Moultonboro has close to 3,900 registered voters, we need a robust voter turn out to oppose this petitioned/warrant article when the Town Meeting Deliberation/Voting session is held on Saturday, March 15 starting at 9 a.m. If the petition for the community/recreational complex is not defeated, we may well end up with a very expensive complex along with its high annual operating cost.
Citizens have voiced their opinions at the selectmen meetings and letters to the editor expressing their concerns over wetlands, water table, drainage and the building design itself. It appears certain well off citizens of Moultonboro are not fazed by higher taxes, higher grocery bills, higher gasoline prices, and inflation in general and are intent on building this "silo complex" as designed. Ordinary folks, however, doubt the wisdom of this without further study and many are concerned with their financial ability to live in Moultonboro.
Point One said "Put first things first" – i.e. do not recommend a "community center," "senior center," or existing facility modification or upgrade until after the Master Plan Update is completed and further discussion within the community is held. Neither the "need" nor widespread and compelling "want" for a new complex is clearly evident."
Point Four said "Given the high water table and geotechnical survey results to-date, plus iput from abutters, the water issue at the former Lion's Club property requires further study. Authorize not-to-exceed $25,000 to monitor the water levels at the test pits for a full year. The engineering firm to include a statement as to the limitations of the property, and options for use of the property at the site, but cost-effective. We are also concerned with run-off."
Moving forward with this multi-million dollar proposal, during these uncertain financial times, and with so many questions by the voters, would be financially irresponsible and could be "Haste makes waste."
Jim Leiterman
Moultonboro
If the 300 signers of the $375,000 petition also attend and vote per their implied intention, we will have let this special interest group dictate their wants to the rest of the community. Moultonboro has close to 3,900 registered voters, we need a robust voter turn out to oppose this petitioned/warrant article when the Town Meeting Deliberation/Voting session is held on Saturday, March 15 starting at 9 a.m. If the petition for the community/recreational complex is not defeated, we may well end up with a very expensive complex along with its high annual operating cost.
Citizens have voiced their opinions at the selectmen meetings and letters to the editor expressing their concerns over wetlands, water table, drainage and the building design itself. It appears certain well off citizens of Moultonboro are not fazed by higher taxes, higher grocery bills, higher gasoline prices, and inflation in general and are intent on building this "silo complex" as designed. Ordinary folks, however, doubt the wisdom of this without further study and many are concerned with their financial ability to live in Moultonboro.
Point One said "Put first things first" – i.e. do not recommend a "community center," "senior center," or existing facility modification or upgrade until after the Master Plan Update is completed and further discussion within the community is held. Neither the "need" nor widespread and compelling "want" for a new complex is clearly evident."
Point Four said "Given the high water table and geotechnical survey results to-date, plus iput from abutters, the water issue at the former Lion's Club property requires further study. Authorize not-to-exceed $25,000 to monitor the water levels at the test pits for a full year. The engineering firm to include a statement as to the limitations of the property, and options for use of the property at the site, but cost-effective. We are also concerned with run-off."
Moving forward with this multi-million dollar proposal, during these uncertain financial times, and with so many questions by the voters, would be financially irresponsible and could be "Haste makes waste."
Jim Leiterman
Moultonboro
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